* Supernovae require a core collapse: Supernovae occur when the core of a massive star collapses under its own gravity. This collapse triggers a runaway nuclear fusion reaction that explodes the star.
* Mass is crucial: Stars less massive than the sun don't have enough gravity to create the immense pressure and heat required for core collapse.
* Different fates: Stars with masses like our sun will eventually become white dwarfs after expelling their outer layers as a planetary nebula.
* The Chandrasekhar Limit: A star needs to be at least 8 times the mass of the sun (though some models suggest it could be as low as 5-6 solar masses) to have enough mass to trigger core collapse and become a supernova.
In summary: While stars less massive than the sun will eventually die, they won't go out with a bang like a supernova. They will instead transform into smaller, denser objects like white dwarfs.
